ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently associated with problems at work, school or at home. The psychiatric disorder is often difficult to identify and manage.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
Some of the symptoms are being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. The use of medications such as stimulants and antidepressants can aid in overcoming.
Limbic ADD
The most common form of ADD, also known as classic ADD or hyperactive-impulsive ADD, is characterized by inattention, a lack of organizational skills, difficulty staying on task, and trouble with memory. Brain scans show that those with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, but less activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and calmness. People with this type have a difficult in shifting their focus, are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have shorter attention spans. They are unable to fall asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have an impulsive personality, getting easily frustrated and easily angry.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of classic ADD however, they also have difficulty shifting their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch. They talk too fast and are indecisive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy, are quick to get angry, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, but it's distinct from depression because it has increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the part that determines our mood and determines the level of happiness or sadness we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It can be treated with supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP), saffron and inositol, which improve alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or in excess.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can cause frustration, irritability, and poor self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms is more prone to constant anger and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These individuals often become threatened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one thing to another and react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They are generally irritable and their irritability may be due to a low-grade chronic depression or sadness. They might also have memory issues, feel intense anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People with hyperfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to switching tasks and can become absorbed in their hobbies or work. They might forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home, and they may not complete their homework or chores. They can also be stubborn and resentful when punished by their parents or teachers.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be irritable and obstinate, and they can throw temper tantrums if their interests are not recognized. They may be obsessed with specific activities, toys, and video games. They are also unable to express their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This kind of ADD is difficult to recognize, especially when it affects children. These children often don't understand that their issue is due to their inability to shift their attention from one thing to another. It is essential to talk to an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This type of ADD can be treated with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Sometimes, medications are prescribed, but this kind of ADD is difficult to treat with stimulant medications because they can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to differentiate between the seven types of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, impacting about half of sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and even more frustration.
Anxious ADD can lead to problems at work, school, and social situations. This type of ADD may result in low performance and feelings of inadequacy. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events, believing they're not capable of completing the task.
They also fear being judged or considered a victim. This is why they often hide their problems from their peers. People with anxiety can become so stressed and anxious that they experience panic attacks. These can be very life-threatening and cause a pounding heart, sweating and breathing difficulties. Anxious ADD differs from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the Basal ganglia and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and place a high value on security. This can shut down the PFC which makes it hard for these individuals to focus.
When a person has anxiety and ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to manage. This is because treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among those with anxious ADD.
The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to learn where in the brain there are high and/or low levels of activity. This helps them differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the best treatment for each patient.
A psychiatrist will gather an entire medical record and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from ADD/ADHD. He or she might also inquire about mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in the majority of instances, patients also require other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy and nutrition, exercise sleep strategies, and desensitization. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This type of ADD is characterised by a problem learning and storage of information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggression. They also are often affected by a variety of sensory issues, like experiencing a sense of deja vu, or seeing shadows or objects changing forms and hearing sounds that other people can't hear. They are sensitive, irritable and click here easily overstimulated.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty following instructions or staying focused and procrastinating. However, this type of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. This kind of ADD is characterized by low levels of dopamine in the brain which can cause feelings of low motivation or insufficient self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this instance, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD are having difficulty shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD that is characterized by people who are highly motivated and hardworking but are unable to pay attention to important tasks. They can lose track of their school work and their teachers or parents are often tired or embarrassed by their behavior. They may have a difficult relationship with others due to their tendency to be hyper-active or reactive, and have a hard time managing multiple tasks or working with others. In some instances they might be depressed or anxious. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. Treatments for this type of ADD are not recommended since they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.